Miniaturized system and method for measuring optical characteristics

ABSTRACT

A miniaturized spectrometer/spectrophotometer system and methods are disclosed. A probe tip including one or more light sources and a plurality of light receivers is provided. A first spectrometer system receives light from a first set of the plurality of light receivers. A second spectrometer system receives light from a second set of the plurality of light receivers. A processor, wherein the processor receives data generated by the first spectrometer system and the second spectrometer system, wherein an optical measurement of a sample under test is produced based on the data generated by the first and second spectrometer systems.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 13/154,246,filed Jun. 6, 2011, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.12/343,366, filed Dec. 23, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,978,317, which is acontinuation of application Ser. No. 11/541,957, filed Oct. 2, 2006, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,477,364, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.11/146,488, filed Jun. 6, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,116,408, which is acontinuation of application Ser. No. 10/081,879, filed Feb. 21, 2002,now U.S. Pat. No. 6,903,318.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices and methods for measuringoptical characteristics such as color spectrums, translucence, gloss,and other characteristics of objects such as teeth, and moreparticularly to devices and methods for measuring the color and otheroptical characteristics of teeth, fabric or numerous other objects,materials or surfaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A need has been recognized for devices and methods of measuring thecolor or other optical characteristics of teeth and other objects,particularly in the field of dentistry. Reference is made to thefollowing applications, all by inventors hereof, which are herebyincorporated by reference, which disclose various systems and methodsfor measuring teeth and other objects: U.S. application Ser. No.09/091,208, filed on Jun. 8, 1998, which is based on InternationalApplication No. PCT/US97/00126, filed on Jan. 2, 1997, which is acontinuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/581,851, now U.S.Pat. No. 5,745,229, issued Apr. 28, 1998, for Apparatus and Method forMeasuring Optical Characteristics of an Object; U.S. application Ser.No. 09/091,170, filed on Jun. 8, 1998, which is based on InternationalApplication No. PCT/US97/00129, filed on Jan. 2, 1997, which is acontinuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/582,054, now U.S.Pat. No. 5,759,030 issued Jun. 2, 1998, for Apparatus and Method forMeasuring Optical Characteristics of Teeth; PCT Application No.PCT/US98/13764, filed on Jun. 30, 1998, which is a continuation in partof U.S. application Ser. No. 08/886,223, filed on Jul. 1, 1997, forApparatus and Method for Measuring Optical Characteristics of an Object;PCT Application No. PCT/US98/13765, filed on Jun. 30, 1998, which is acontinuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/886,564, filed onJun. 30, 1998, for Apparatus and Method for Measuring OpticalCharacteristics of Teeth; and U.S. application Ser. No. 08/886,566,filed on Jul. 1, 1997, for Method and Apparatus for Detecting and

Preventing Counterfeiting. The foregoing patent documents are sometimesreferenced collectively herein as the “Referenced Patent Documents.”

The foregoing patent documents disclose a variety of systems and methodsfor measuring teeth and other objects. For example, FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat.No. 5,880,826 discloses a system that uses a pen-like probe that couldbe held much like a pencil with the probe tip directed to the tooth orother object. FIG. 35 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,880,826 discloses a handheldconfiguration which may be held much like a gun, with a switch locatedin a position for the “trigger function” to activate the system. Onecolor measuring system introduced to the market has a physicalconfiguration in which the user holds the instrument “football style”(the user's hand cradles the instrument much like a user would hold afootball in a traditional football throwing motion). In general, in thefield of dentistry a variety of stylus, probe, gun-like and otherimplements have been proposed and/or utilized to varying degrees ofcommercial acceptance.

Although the systems described in the Referenced Patent Documents, andthe above mentioned dental implements, provide a variety of physicalarrangements for dental instruments, there is still a need, particularlywith respect to instruments that are capable of quantifying the opticalproperties of dental objects such as teeth, for instruments that areeasier to hold and utilize in the dental or similar environment ascompared with such existing physical arrangements. In particular, thereis a need for instruments of improved physical construction so thatdentists and other users may measure teeth and other objects comfortablyand precision, and preferably without bending or contorting the wrist,hand or other body parts.

There also continues to be a need for such instruments with improvedinfection prevention implements, and for such instruments that utilizemultiple spectrometers to more optimally measure and quantify theoptical properties of translucent, pearlescent or other opticallycomplex materials.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a new and improved physical arrangement,particularly for a spectrometer or spectrophotometer-based instrument,that facilitates the measurement of optical properties of teeth andother dental and other objects and materials.

In accordance with the present invention, a housing encloses aspectrometer or spectrophotometer; preferably multiple spectrometers areutilized in order to measure multiple spectrums (preferablysimultaneously) of light received from the object under test. Thehousing includes a body portion that preferably houses thespectrometer(s) or spectrophotometer(s) (herein, a spectrophotometergenerally consists of a spectrometer and light source, and perhaps apower source such as a battery). The spectrometer assembly preferably islocated in the palm of the user's hand. Extending from, and preferablyintegral with, the body portion is neck portion. Extending from, andpreferably integral with, the neck portion is a tip portion. Optics,such as light guiding fiber optics or the like, preferably carry lightto a probe tip at an end of the portion, at which point the light leavesthe instrument in order to illuminate the tooth or other object ormaterial, and return the light to the spectrometer(s) for analysis.

In accordance with preferred embodiments, the neck portion is configuredto have an upper portion that includes a location for placement of auser's index finger. This location may have an indenture or othertextured area or friction surface (such as small bumps, a rubber surfaceor the like that tends to increase the friction between the user's indexfinger and the instrument) such that a user's index finger may besecurably be positioned at that location. With the user's index fingerreliably positioned at such a location on the neck portion, the tipportion of the instrument may be more precisely moved towards a desiredor predetermined location on the tooth or other object so that the tipmay measure the desired or predetermined location.

Also in accordance with preferred embodiments, one or a plurality ofswitches are provided for activation and/or control of the instrument,preferably located and operated in a manner such that the measurement isnot adversely affected by undesired movement induced by the switchactivation. One or more switches may be located in a position where anindex finger is positioned during use of the instrument. Alternatively,one or more switches may be located on a lower surface of the bodyportion such that the switch may be activated by a squeezing motion ofone or more of the user's fingers, while not pulling the instrument awayfrom the desired or predetermined location on the tooth or other object.In addition (or alternatively), the tip may move respect to other partsof the tip portion or the neck and body portion such that the movementof the tip may be detected electrically, mechanically or optically.

An improved barrier infection control implement also is preferablyutilized in accordance with the present invention. Preferably, a pliant,stretchy, transparent material fully encases and covers the tip portionof the instrument. In preferred embodiments, an inner surface of theinfection control implement is relatively smooth or “satinized” in orderto facilitate guiding the tip portion of the instrument into theinfection control implement, and an outer surface of the infectioncontrol implement has a degree of tackiness or stickiness, particularlyas compared to the inner surface, such that upon contact with the objectunder evaluation the tip portion mildly adheres to the surface of theobject. With such an outer surface, measurement of objects such as teethare facilitated, as the tip of the instrument may be directed to adesired spot of the object for evaluation, with the stickiness, or“non-slippery-ness,” of the outer surface of the infection controlimplement serving to prevent movement of the tip from the desired spoton the object. Preferably, a calibration measurement of a material ofknown or predetermined optical characteristics serve to calibrate outany optical effect introduced by the infection control implement. Such acalibration measurement preferably is conducted at instrument powerup,prior to taking actual measurements, at periodic or other suitableintervals. Such a calibration measurement also serves to noinialize theinstrument and calibrate out effects due to lamp drift, aging of fiberoptics, optical couplers, filters and other optical components and thelike, as well as to normalize the electronics and produce a “blacklevel,” such as described in the previously referenced patent documents.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide animproved spectrometer/spectrophotometer, and/or housing arrangement fora spectrometer or spectrophotometer, particularly for the field ofdentistry.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improvedspectrometer/spectrophotometer, and/or housing arrangement for aspectrometer or spectrophotometer, particularly having a body portionthat encloses the spectrometer or spectrometer and fits in the user'shand during operation of the instrument.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improvedspectrometer/spectrophotometer, and/or housing arrangement for aspectrometer or spectrophotometer, particularly having a neck portionwith an index finger placement location.

It is still another object of the present invention having one or moreswitches that activate or control the instrument and are arranged, suchas with a moveable tip, located on an under side of the body portion,such that the one or more switches may be operated while not having theact of activating the switch induce undesired movement of theinstrument.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improvedinstrument for, and methods of making, optical measurements utilizing aplurality of spectrometers or other color measuring devices in order toquantify optical properties of materials that may be translucent,pearlescent or otherwise optically complex; particular example beinghuman teeth and restorative dental materials, gems, multi-layeredpainted articles and the like.

Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide such aninstrument that may be utilized with a barrier infection orcontamination control implement, which preferably has a smooth innersurface and a slip-resistant outer surface, the inner surface of whichpreferably serves to facilitate insertion of the instrument's probe tipinto the infection or contamination control implement, and the outersurface of which preferably facilitates measurement of the object underevaluation by providing a probe tip surface that tends not to slipduring from the desired measurement spot during the optical measurement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above objects and other advantages of the present invention willbecome more apparent by describing in detail the preferred embodimentsof the present invention with reference to the attached drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is an overview of a spectrometer/spectrophotometer housingarrangement in accordance with an exemplary preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is an interior view of a spectrometer/spectrophotometer housingarrangement in accordance with an exemplary preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a user utilizing aspectrometer/spectrophotometer arrangement in accordance with anexemplary preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4, 5A-5D and 6 illustrate exemplary probe, optical andspectrometer configuration for an exemplary preferred multi-spectrometerembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate an improved infection/contamination preventionimplement (and its manufacture) utilized in certain preferredembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary base unit and calibration block inaccordance with an exemplary preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 9A-9G illustrate exemplary display screens that may be utilized inaccordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary multi-camera image display, withsuperimposed shade data, in accordance with an exemplary alternativepreferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be described in greater detail with referenceto certain preferred and alternative embodiments. As described below,refinements and substitutions of the various embodiments are possiblebased on the principles and teachings herein.

FIG. 1 is an overview of a spectrometer/spectrophotometer housingarrangement in accordance with an exemplary preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. As illustrated, spectrometer/spectrophotometer 1 inaccordance with preferred embodiments preferably includes a housingincludes body portion 6A and 6B that preferably houses the spectrometeror spectrophotometer (herein, the spectrophotometer generally consistingof a spectrometer and light source, and perhaps a power source such as abattery, while a spectrometer embodiment may provide light that isprovided via an optical cable from an external light source). In theillustrated embodiment, the body portion 6A/6B consists of two parts,upper portion 6A and lower portion 6B, the two portions of whichtogether define the body portion, and in the preferred embodiment theneck portion. Such a two or multi-part construction facilitatesmanufacture of the unit, as the upper portion may be removed, and theinterior components such as the spectrometer may then be more readilyinstalled or assembled in the interior of the housing, etc.

In operation, the spectrometer assembly within body portion 6A/6Bpreferably is located in the palm of the user's hand, thus enabling thespectrometer assembly to be positioned close to the object under test,and preferably so that no optical fibers or the like that serve tocouple light from the object under test to the spectrometer assemblywill be bent or kinked by user of the instrument (the adverse affects,such as optical transmission changes, from bending or kinking opticalfibers are described in greater detail in the Referenced PatentDocuments). Extending from, and preferably integral with, body portion6A/6B is neck portion 8 (in the illustrated embodiment, neck portion 8is formed from the upper and lower portions 6A and 6B of the bodyportion, although the present invention is not necessarily limited tothis construction. With neck portion 8 also consisting of upper andlower portions, the upper portion may be removed such as to facilitateassembly, such as positioning of fiber optics or light guiding members,etc., into the tip, etc. Preferably, the neck portion extends in acurved manner in a direction away from the body portion and toward thetip and the person whose tooth is to be measured (as more fullydescribed elsewhere herein). As will be appreciated, the neck portionmay extend in a direction and length so as to facilitate measurement ofthe target object, such as a tooth in a patient's mouth.

Extending from, and preferably integral with, neck portion 8 is tipportion 10. Optics, such as light guiding fiber optics or the like,preferably carry light to tip end 12 at end of tip portion 10, at whichpoint the light leaves the instrument in order to illuminate the toothor other object or material, and return the light to the spectrometerfor analysis. With such a probe configuration, with neck portion 8 andtip portion 10 configured such as illustrated, the instrument may morereadily extend into the mouth of a patient and serve to facilitate themeasurement of teeth and the like. Preferably, neck portion 8 and tipportion 10 together may serve as a form of cheek retractor, or have alength and shape, so as to enable measurement of posterior orinside/back teeth of a patient, as opposed to other techniques in whichonly anterior or front teeth may be measured. While the illustratedshape of FIG. 1 is exemplary, what should be appreciated is that bodyportion 6A/6B may house the spectrometer/spectrometer, while neckportion 8 and tip portion 10 extend away from body portion 6A/6B andcarry source and receiver fiber optics or light guides to end 12 of tipportion 10, with neck portion 8 and tip portion 10 collectively having alength and/or shape to facilitate the measurement of desired samples,such as teeth, which may be located in difficult to reach places (suchas posterior teeth in the mouth of a patient).

In accordance with preferred embodiments, the neck portion is configuredto have an upper portion that includes a location (such as location 4,as illustrated in FIG. 1) for placement of a user's index finger. Thislocation may have an indented portion or other textured area or frictionsurface (such as small bumps, a rubber surface or the like that tends toincrease the friction between the user's index finger and theinstrument) such that a user's index finger may be securably bepositioned at that location. With the user's index finger reliablypositioned at such a location on the neck portion, the tip portion ofthe instrument may be more precisely moved towards a desired orpredetermined location on the tooth or other object so that the tip maymeasure the desired or predetermined location.

Also in accordance with preferred embodiments, one or a plurality ofswitches are provided for activation and/or control of the instrument,preferably located and operated in a manner such that the measurement isnot adversely affected by undesired movement induced by the switchactivation. One or more switches may be located on a lower surface ofthe body portion such that the switch may be activated by a squeezingmotion of one or more of the user's fingers, while not pulling theinstrument away from the desired or predetermined location on the toothor other object. In addition (or alternatively), the tip may moverespect to other parts of the tip portion or the neck and body portionsuch that the movement of the tip may be detected electrically,mechanically or optically. In one exemplary preferred embodiment, amembrane or spring activated-type switch is positioned within location4, such that a movement of the user's index finger causes activation ofthe switch, which may be detected such as to initiate a measurement(which may be a measurement of the object under test, a calibration ornormalization reference or standard, etc.). What is important is thatbody portion 6A/6B include an intuitive and nature placement forposition of one or more of the operator's fingers, preferably in amanner that naturally and intuitively guides the probe tip towards adesired area for measurement, with a switch that may be activated with aslight and natural movement that does not tend to cause undesired motionof the probe tip from the desired area for measurement (as described inthe Referenced Patent Documents, for example, movement away from such adesired area or at an undesired angle, etc., may be detected orquantified, with optical measurements either adjusted or rejected basedon the movement or amount of movement, etc.).

FIG. 2 is an interior view of a spectrometer/spectrophotometer housingarrangement in accordance with an exemplary preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 2 illustrates in greater detail general aspectsof such an exemplary preferred embodiment, which other figures willillustrate preferred optical and spectrometer configurations, etc., thatmay be used with such exemplary arrangements as are illustrated in FIG.2.

Generally, implementations of such embodiments constitutespectrophotometers, which generally consist of a light source (e.g.,light source 14) that provides light to the object under test (e.g.,such as via light source member 16, which may constitute a fiber opticor fiber optic assembly). Light is returned from the object and receivedand carried (e.g., such as via light receiver member 18, which mayconstitute a fiber optic or fiber optic assembly or multiple fiberoptics, as in preferred embodiments to be described hereinafter) tospectrometer assembly 20 for analysis. In accordance with preferredembodiments of the present invention, however, spectrometer 20 ispositioned inside of body portion 6A/6B so that the bulk of spectrometerassembly 20 is effectively positioned inside the operator's hand, withneck portion 8 and tip portion 10 extending away from body portion 6A/6Bin a manner to facilitate measurement of objects such as teeth, whichmay be inconveniently located, such as inside of a person's mouth.

As will be appreciated from FIG. 2, light source 14 may be locatedwithin or integral with body portion 6A/6B, and a suitable power source(such as battery 15 via power conductors 15A) may provide power forlight source 14 and the electronics of spectrometer assembly 20. In suchembodiments, the underside of body portion 6A/6B may carry a displaydevice (such as generally illustrated by display device 6C in FIG. 1)that outputs data indicative of the optical characteristics of theobject being measured (such as, as discussed in detail in the ReferencedPatent Documents). This may be, for example, an output of a closestcolor or shade match (or closest match), such as a Pantone or Vita shadeguide value, a paint or other pigment specifier or formulation,pass/fail indication, etc. Also as will be appreciated, spectrometer 20may include a processing device (again, such as discussed in detail inthe Referenced Patent Documents), which may include memory, input/outputcircuitry and the like, such that data generated by spectrometerassembly 20 may not only be used for color or shade prediction, but bedisplayed or transferred to another computer device as spectral or otherdata. Such data transfer from the handheld device may be by customer orstandard serial or parallel interface, USB, etc., or may be wireless,such as using a wireless transceiver arrangement such as based on whatare known as the Bluetooth or 802.11 or other wireless protocol, or maybe a docking station-type data transmission (i.e., data is collected andlocally stored within spectrometer assembly 20 or elsewhere within bodyportion 6A/6B, and subsequently transmitted via a wired or wirelessconnection by positioning body portion 6A/6B within a docking station orcradle, with electrical connectors for data transmission or batteryrecharging, etc., on body portion 6A/6B mating with correspondingelectrical connectors on the docking station or cradle, etc.). What isimportant is that the handheld device include one or multiplespectrometers such as illustrated by spectrometer assembly 20, whichspectrally analyze light returned from the object under test, with thedata generated by the spectral analysis further processed, either withprocessing circuitry within spectrometer assembly 20 (or elsewherewithin or integral to body portion 6A/6B, etc.) or external thereto,such as by a wired or wireless data connection to an externalcomputer/processing device, which may further process the data, such asfor shade or color or pigment prediction, display or color or spectraldata, data storage, transmission to remote locations for processing ordisplay or for production of articles based on data generated byspectrometer assembly 20, etc. Such exemplary uses of data generated byspectrometer assembly 20 are discussed in greater detail in theReferenced Patent Documents.

In a similar manner, the light provided to the object under may begenerated by a light source integral to body portion 6A/6B (such as vialight source 14), or may be generated by a light that is not integral tobody portion 6A/6B but is instead generated external to body portion6A/6B and provided to body portion 6A/6B via an optical cable (such as alight source fiber optic). In one such embodiment, an external unitprovides light to body portion 6A/6B via a fiber optic cable or cableassembly (e.g., collection of fiber optics), with data and/or powercables being provided along with the fiber optic cable/cable assemblyfrom the external unit. With such embodiments, the external unit mayinclude a power supply, light source, display and associatedelectronics/processing, such that body portion 6A/6B includes fiberoptics to provide light to and from the object under test, withspectrometer assembly 20 generating spectral data, which may then betransferred to a processor in the external unit via the data cables. Aswill be appreciated, the light source optic cable/cable assembly and thedata and/or power cables may be provided, for example, in a singlemonocoil, such as may be constructed with stainless steel, aluminum orother material known in the art. Such exemplary arrangements will beexplained in greater detail hereinafter.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a user utilizing aspectrometer/spectrophotometer arrangement in accordance with anexemplary preferred embodiment of the present invention. As illustratedin FIG. 3, hand 21 of a user or operator may grasp body portion 6A/6Bsuch as by wrapping of fingers around body portion 6A/6B, preferablywith index (or other) finger 21A being positioned in an extended orsemi-extended manner (such as is illustrated) with finger tip 21B beingpositioned within or on a physical placement feature on neck portion 8(see, e.g., location 4 discussed in connection with FIG. 1). A switchfor initiation of a measurement, for example, may be located underfinger tip 21B or under finger tip(s) 21C (such as previouslydescribed).

What is important to note from FIG. 3 is that spectrometer assembly 20,within body portion 6A/6B is positioned generally within the volumecreated by hand 21 holding body portion 6A/6B, preferably with a naturaland physically intuitive position for the index and other fingers of theuser/operator, and preferably with a suitable membrane, spring or otherswitch located and configured in a manner that it may be activated bythe user/operator without a significant tendency to cause movement ofthe tip end from the desired area for measurement on the object undertest. Further, in embodiments where body portion 6A/6B is coupled to anexternal unit via an optical and/or electrical cable or cable assembly(such as described elsewhere herein), as illustrated in FIG. 3cable/cable assembly 22 is positioned to exit body portion 6A/6Bpreferably from a rear portion of body portion 6A/6B, which tends tocause cable/cable assembly 22 to be below the arm of the user/operatoras illustrated. With other instruments, a cable often times exits aprobe or handpiece assembly so as to over the user's arm and/or hand andtend to pull down the user's arm and/or hand. In accordance withembodiments of the present invention, however, it has been determinedthat desirable spectral/optical measurements may be made with aspectrometer positioned within a handpiece as described and illustrated,with any cable/cable assembly extending from the handpiece exiting thebody of the handpiece at a position to be below the arm/hand of theuser, such that the weight of any such cable/cable assembly does nottend to pull the hand or arm of the user during operation, or to causeforces that would cause the user to tire more easily from use of theinstrument, etc. This has been determined to be particularly true whenthe present invention is applied to fields such as dentistry, when adental professional may desire to carefully target the probe tip to oneor more desired areas of a tooth or teeth (such as for measuring aplurality of anterior and posterior teeth, as described elsewhereherein), with the handpiece being configured to enable the dentalprofessional to guide the probe tip to the desired area or areas, with aswitch configured to initiate measurements in a manner not to causemovement of the handpiece tip from the desired area or areas, andwithout any cable/cable assembly tending to pull the dentalprofessional's arm or hand in a manner that may likewise tend to causemovement of the handpiece tip from the desired area or areas, etc. Ofcourse, as described elsewhere herein, a cable/cable assembly extendingfrom the handpiece is optional, and in other embodiments wireless datatransmission, docking station data transmission, etc., may be utilized(and in such embodiments there may be no cable/cable assembly extendingfrom the handpiece, etc.).

As described elsewhere herein and in the Referenced Patent Documents, inpreferred embodiments spectral measurements are made with a highlyminiaturized spectrometer assembly, which preferably consist of an arrayor other plurality of sensors (preferably consisting of light tofrequency converters), with light coupled to at least certain of thesensors via filters or filter elements (which preferably areinterference filters, and which may be discrete bandpass type filters,or which collectively may consist of a color gradient or linear variabletype filter, etc.). Preferably, light is coupled from a light source tothe object under test via one or more light sources, which may be fiberoptics, and preferably light is received from the object under test andcoupled to the sensors via the filters or filter elements. Embodimentsof the present invention provide improvements and enhancements toconcepts such as the foregoing, and enable improved systems and methodsfor measuring the optical properties of optically complex materials,including objects that are translucent, pearlescent, etc., and includingobjects such as teeth, dental restorations, gems, etc. In certainpreferred embodiments, a multi-spectrometer design is utilized toprovide multiple spectral-type measurements, preferably in parallel, andpreferably with different source-receiver combinations that enablevarious complex materials to be optically measured.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an exemplary embodiment of such amulti-spectrometer design will now be described. Light from a lightsource (not shown in FIG. 4; preferably an incandescent lamp withgenerally known optical properties, such as color temperature) isprovided via optical fiber 24 (e.g., which may be a 4.0 millimeter glassor other optical fiber bundle). Light from fiber 24 is coupled to fiberbundle 24A, three fibers of which (i.e., fibers 27, which may be 1.0millimeter plastic fibers) are coupled to three sensors via filters(preferably three separate bands of predetermined wavelengths over thevisible band; e.g., bandpass interference filters). Fibers 27 and theassociated filters will be understood to constitute a first spectrometeror spectral measuring device, which preferably serve to track andmonitor the output of the light source. As will be understood, thechoice of three fibers and three bands to track the light source isexemplary; one, two, three, four or more bands could be similarly beused to track the light source, but three bands, along with someunderstanding of the properties of the light source, have beendetermined to provide a sufficient level of information regarding thelight output of the lamp; as will be further understood, in the event oflamp drift, such may be detected and the sensed via fibers 27, andspectral measurements of the object under test either adjusted orrejected due to changes in the light source output, etc. In FIG. 4,elements 35 generally illustrate a ferrule coupled to the individualfibers, which may be utilized to couple the fiber to aperture plate 34,which serves to position the end of the fiber so as to couple light tofilters/sensors 36 (in FIG. 4, the filters and sensors are shown as acombined item for discussion purposes; it is understood, based on thedescription elsewhere herein and in the Referenced Patent Documents,that the particular coupling details between the fiber ends and thesensors may be configured in a variety of ways and may include, forexample, aperture plates, lenses, lens assemblies, spacers, etc.; whatis important for this particular embodiment is that light from the lampis coupled to sensors via filters in order to provide a lamp monitoringspectral sensing implement which monitors the lamp source output, etc.).Filters/sensors/electronics 40 of FIG. 4 generally refers to the filtersand sensors, and associated electronics for reading the outputs of theindividual sensors, for implementing multiple spectrometers and topologyangle sensors, more details of which may be understood from theReferenced Patent Documents.

Fibers 24B from fiber bundle 24A are provided to probe tip 26 asillustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, fibers 24B constitute 12fibers, which may consist of 1.0 millimeter plastic fibers. Thearrangement of fibers 24B in probe tip 26, which serve to provide aplurality of light sources, or effectively a ring of light, areillustrated in FIG. 6 and will be described in greater detailhereinafter.

Light returned from the object under test is received by probe tip 26via a plurality of light receivers. Such light receivers preferably mayconsist of a center light receiver 30, preferably a 1 millimeter plasticfiber, and also a first set (preferably three) of light receivers 33 notfrom the center of the probe tip and a second set (preferably three) oflight receivers 28 also not from the center of the probe tip.

Center light receiver 30 is preferably coupled to a plurality of sensorsvia a plurality of filters, with the filters preferably providingbandpass filters spaced over the spectral band(s) of interference; forexample, the filters may have bandpass characteristics such that thefilters collectively span the visible band, such as described in theReferenced Patent Documents. In a preferred embodiment, center lightreceiver 30 is coupled to randomized fiber optic 31, which preferablyhas and input that receives light via light receiver 30 via opticalcoupler/splitter 30A (which may include a lens to collimate light fromlight receiver 30 to more optimally couple the light provided torandomized fiber optic 31), and has twelve outputs, each of whichprovides light that is coupled to a sensor through one of the filters.As described in the Referenced Patent Documents, the use of a such arandomized implement may help serve to destroy any angular or similardependencies of the light received by light receiver 30, with the lightprovided to the twelve outputs being more or less equal or havingreduced dependency as to where on light receiver 30 is the receivedlight receiver (and at what angle, etc.) over the twelve outputs.Preferably, randomized fiber optic 31 is an optical implement whichconstitutes a large number of preferably glass fibers, with an inputarea that is randomly divided and apportioned to N (preferably 12)output areas, which in the illustrated embodiment constitute 12 fiberoptic bundles each of which couples light to a sensor via a filter. Asalso described in the Referenced Patent Documents, such a randomizedimplement efficiently provides light to the filter/sensor combinationswith less angular dependencies, etc. The N (preferably 12) outputs ofrandomized fiber optic 31, and the associated filter/sensors, preferablyprovide a first spectrometer/spectral sensing implement for generatingspectral data based on the light received from the object under test.

Light receivers 28 preferably are coupled to sensors via filters inorder to provide a second spectrometer/spectral sensing implement forgenerating spectral data based on the light received from the objectunder test. In the illustrated embodiment, light receivers 28 constitutethree fiber optics. While three fiber optics may be coupled tofilters/sensors and provide a three band spectral sensing device, in theillustrated embodiment six spectral bands are utilized for the secondspectrometer/spectral sensing device. In the illustrated embodiment, thethree fibers of light receivers 28 are coupled to light pipe 29 (whichmay be a 2 millimeter plastic light pipe), which serves to couple andmix and diffuse light from (preferably) three input fibers 28 to(preferably) six output fibers 32. The preferably six output fibers arecoupled to filters/sensors as illustrated. The preferably 6 outputfibers, and the associated filter/sensors, preferably provide a secondspectrometer/spectral sensing implement for generating spectral databased on the light received from the object under test.

Light receivers 33 typically are coupled to sensors via neutral densityfilters (or no filters) and are preferably used to provide topologysensors (see, e.g., the discussion in the Referenced Patent Documents).In yet other alternative embodiments, light receivers 33 could beprovided to sensors without filters, could be provided to sensors viafine bandpass filters and look at only particular spectral lines (forexample, in order to detect the presence of specific materials thatreflect or emit light in such particular spectral bands, etc.). Inpreferred embodiments, however, such light receivers 33 serve to providepositional or topology information (e.g., angle of the probe withrespect to the surface of the object under test), such as described inthe Referenced Patent Documents.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate exemplary routing and mapping of fibers in suchembodiments. As will be understood from FIGS. 5A-5D, the sensors andfilters and fiber optic inputs to the assembly 40 are in two rows; asFIGS. 5A-5D provide only a top view, only the top row is shown. In theillustrated embodiment, a bottom row also exists, and thus 24 totalsensors are provided in the illustrated embodiment. Of course, as willbe understood to those of skill in the art, the particular number offilters and sensors may be readily adapted to the particularapplication, and the present invention is not limited to the particularnumbers in the illustrated embodiments.

In FIG. 5A, center light receiver 30 extends from probe tip 26 tocoupler 30A, which preferably includes lens 30B, which serves to collectand collimate light from light receiver 30 and couple the light to theinput area of randomized fiber optic 31, which serves to randomize andsplit the light into separate outputs, as previously described. Theoutputs of the randomized fiber optic 31 are coupled tofilters/sensors/electronics 40 to provide a first spectrometer/spectralsensing implement, as previously described.

In FIG. 5B, light source fiber bundle 24 is coupled to coupler 25.Fibers 27 of fiber bundle 24A are coupled to filters/sensors/electronics40 for purposes of monitoring and tracking the light source, aspreviously described. Fibers of fiber bundle 24B are provided to probetip 26 and provide a plurality of light sources, also as previouslydescribed.

In FIG. 5C, light receivers 33, which preferably are inner ring fibers(see FIG. 6), extend from probe tip 26 and are coupled tofilters/sensors/electronics 40 for purposes of, for example, providingtopology or angle sensors, such as previously described. Alsoillustrated in FIG. 5C are bias lamp 41, power wires 42 and lightconductor 43. As described in greater detail in the Referenced PatentDocuments, in preferred embodiments bias light is provided to thesensors, which guarantee a minimal amount of light to the sensors (aswill be understood from the

Referenced Patent Documents, light from bias lamp 41 is not light thatis provided to and returned from the object under test, but instead is apreferably separate light source that serves to bias the light sensors).Under power provided by wires 42 (with the power preferably obtainedfrom the power supply providing power to the sensors, for example), biaslamp 41 generates bias light, which is controllably conducted to thesensors via light conductor 43.

In FIG. 5D, light receivers 28, which also are preferably inner ringfibers (see FIG. 6), extend from probe tip 26 and are coupled to lightpipe or coupler 29, which serves to couple/mix/diffuse light from lightreceivers 28 to fibers 32. The outputs of the fibers 32 are coupled tofilters/sensors/electronics 40 to provide a second spectrometer/spectralsensing implement, as previously described.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary end view of probe tip 26. Center lightreceiver 45D is positioned generally at the center of probe tip 26. Aswill be understood, center light receiver generally may be consideredthe end of light receiver (fiber) 30, which is coupled to a firstspectrometer/spectral sensing implement. A first ring is provided aroundcenter light receiver 45. In the first ring are arranged light receivers45C and 45B, which generally may be considered the ends of lightreceivers 28 and 33, respectively. Light receivers 45C (preferably 3)provide light that is ultimately coupled to a secondspectrometer/spectral sensing implement. Light receivers 45B (preferably3) provide light that is coupled to sensors such as for purposes ofsensing topology or angle. A plurality of light sources 45A preferablyare provided in a circular arrangement in probe tip 26 (12 beingillustrated in this exemplary embodiment). The plurality of lightsources 45A generally constitute the ends of the fibers of fiber bundle24B, as will be understood from the description elsewhere herein. Theplurality of light sources 45A generally constitute a ring light sourcein probe tip 26.

Based on the foregoing, it will be understood that an instrument may beprovided that utilizes multiple spectrometers in parallel, includingmultiple spectrometers that may serve to make spectral measurements,preferably in parallel, of the object under test. As described ingreater detail in the Referenced Patent Documents, the numericalaperture, diameters and spacing of the light sources and receiversdefine a “critical height” below which light that is reflected from thesurface of the object under test cannot be received and propagated bythe light receivers. Measurements below the critical height thus aregenerally not dependent upon surface characteristics, as light reflectedfrom the surface is not going to be received by the light receivers andthus sensed by the spectrometers. Light that enters the light receiversgenerally is light that enters the bulk of the material of the object,is scattered and displaced so that it can exit the material at aposition and angle to be received and propagated by the light receivers(see the Referenced Patent Documents for a more detailed discussion ofthis phenomenon). Consider probe tip 26 being in contact with thesurface of the object under test. In such a condition, the varioussource/receiver combinations provided by probe tip 26 each will be belowthe critical height. While conventional approaches tend to characterizeoptical properties that include surface reflected light (and thus tendto be more sensitive to surface irregularities, angle, etc.), it hasbeen discovered that optically more complex objects such as teeth, whichare highly translucent, may be more optimally quantified with such belowthe critical height measurements. With the multi-spectrometer approachof the present invention, multiple spectrometers may make multiple belowthe critical height measurements in parallel, and thus providesubstantial optical data from which optical characteristics of theobject under test (such as a shade or color prediction) may bedetermined.

Without being bound by theory, a discussion of certain benefits andprinciples of the foregoing approach will now be described. As will beappreciated from FIG. 6, center light receiver 45D is generallyequi-distant from the various light sources 45A. Thus, light that isreceived by light receiver 45D generally is light from light sources 45Athat enters the object under test, penetrates some optical depth, getsscattered, displaced, etc., and is ultimately received by light receiver45D. Generally, however, the light originates from a light source thatis in essence the same distance away from the light receiver (as will beappreciated from FIG. 6, light receiver 45D is not precisely the samedistance from all of the light sources 45A, but generally are about thediameter of the fibers of the inner ring away from the lights sources45A). Each of light receivers 45C, on the other hand, is a varyingdistance from the various light sources 45A (i.e., some are closer tothe light sources and some are farther away from the light sources).Light receivers 45C, with its varying spacings from light sources 45A,collectively receive light that may be considered to be more of an“average depth” or optical path length within the material of the objectunder test (again, some close and some far away). Again, without beingbound by theory, it has been determined that light receivers 45C may beused to make spectral measurements that less sensitive to the thicknessof the material under test, as compared to the center light receiver45D, which has been observed to be more sensitive to thickness. In thecase of materials such as teeth or dental restorations, the perceivedoptical characteristics may be a function of various layers constitutingthe materials. In attempting to characterize such complex opticalmaterials, it has been determined that using multiple spectrometers tomake multiple measurements, with varying spacings between the sourcesand receivers, varying average optical path lengths or effective opticaldepths of the measurements, etc., provide a much greater amount ofinformation from which to make, for example, shade or color predictions.

For example, for an instrument that is used to shade match teeth ordental restorations, the material may be a tooth or a ceramicrestoration. The constituent materials generally have different opticalproperties, and may have different layers of differing thicknesses ofdiffering is materials in order to produce colors that are perceived tobe the same by viewing human observer. Having only a single spectralmeasurement, for example, has been determined to provide less thansufficient data for a sufficient shade or color determination orprediction.

In accordance with the present invention, the multiple spectrometerseach make spectral measurements. Depending upon the type of materialunder examination, for example a natural tooth versus a dentalrestoration (and for example a denture tooth versus a porcelain-fused-tometal “PFM” crown), with the present invention different shadeprediction criteria may be utilized. For example, user input may informthe instrument what type of material is under examination;alternatively, the instrument could collect data from the multiplespectrometers and predict the type of material (which could be confirmedor over-ridden by user input, etc.). In any event, after collectingspectral data, the instrument then desires to output a color or shadevalue. Typically, data is stored within the instrument in the form oflookup tables or the like, and measured data is compared in some formwith the stored data of the various shades in order to predict andoutput the closest shade or color (see, e.g., the Referenced PatentDocuments). In accordance with embodiments of the present invention,however, the measured data and lookup tables, or possible combinationsthereof may be more optimally utilized depending upon the type ofmaterial under test.

For example, if a natural tooth is under examination, spectral data maybe collected from the first and second spectrometers. Data from thefirst (center receiver) spectrometer, which generally is more sensitiveto thickness, may be used exclusively for shade or color prediction, orweighted more heavily in the shade prediction as compared to data fromthe second (ring receiver) spectrometer, which generally is lesssensitive to thickness. For a PFM restoration, which could consist ofthin layers (as compared to a comparable sized natural tooth), thicknessdependencies could present much greater problems with attempting toperform shade matching or color prediction for PFM samples. If a PFMrestoration is under examination, spectral data may be collected fromthe first and second spectrometers. Data from the second (ring receiver)spectrometer, which generally is less sensitive to thickness, may beused exclusively for shade or color prediction, or weighted more heavilyin the shade prediction as compared to data from the first (centerreceiver) spectrometer, which generally is more sensitive to thickness.

As will be understood from the foregoing, depending upon the type ofmaterial under test, a different shade matching/prediction method oralgorithm will be performed. In accordance with such embodiments of thepresent invention, a first type of material under test (e.g., a naturaltooth) would utilize a first shade matching algorithm (e.g., weigh datafrom the first spectrometer more heavily than data from the secondspectrometer), and a second type of material under test (e.g., a PFMrestoration) would utilize a second shade matching algorithm (e.g.,weigh data from the second spectrometer more heavily than data from thefirst spectrometer). In addition, depending upon the type of materialunder test, different optical parameters could be utilized, again withdifferent weights. For example, a prediction based on the closest “deltaE” match between the stored shades or colors may be used for a firsttype of material under test, while a prediction that gives more (orless) weight to, for example “delta L” or “delta c” or “delta h,” may beused for second type of material (it being understood by those of skillin the art that L, c and h refer to luminance, chroma and hue of thewell-know L-C-H system for representing color). Moreover, a firstcombination of data from the first and second spectrometers (with firstweights given to the first and second spectrometers) and a first set ofparameters (e.g., delta E) may be utilized for shade or color predictionfor a first type of material, while a second combination of data fromthe first and second spectrometers (with second weights given to thefirst and second spectrometers) and a second set of parameters (e.g.,delta L and/or delta c and/or delta h) may be utilized for shade orcolor prediction for a second type of material. With the presentinvention, multiple spectrometers, and/or multiple shade/colorprediction/matching algorithms based on data from multiplespectrometers, may be utilized depending on the type of material beingmeasured in order to more accurately predict/match shades and colors fora wide range of materials.

Other aspects of certain preferred embodiments of the present inventionwill now be described.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7D, an explanation will be provided of animproved barrier infection control implement that is preferably utilizedin accordance with the present invention. As fields of application forthe present include the dental and medical fields, and fields in whichwet pigments or other materials could be applied (such as painting,printing), the probe used to make spectral or other optical measurementsmay come into contact with the object under test. In the case ofdentistry, for example, contamination between patients is a seriousconcern. As explained in the Referenced Patent Documents, a barrierinfection control implement may be utilized to present suchcontamination.

In accordance with the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, apreferably pliant, stretchy, transparent barrier 50 fully encases andcovers tip portion 10 of instrument 1. As illustrated, barrier 50preferably is pulled up the length of tip portion 10 and over neckportion 8, preferably utilizing tab portion 50A, such that hole 50Bslips over protrusion 8A. Protrusion 8A preferably is an implement thatis added to neck portion 8 (either affixed to neck portion 8 orfabricated such as with a plastic molding process as an integral part ofneck 8) such that a user may pull barrier 50 over the tip and neckportions such that hole 50B secures barrier 50 to the probe tip. Theuser preferably pulls the barrier into position tab portion 50A ofbarrier 50 (tab portion 50A preferably is integrally formed as a part ofbarrier 50, but which could be a separate material welded to thematerial of barrier 50). The act of pulling the stretchy material ofbarrier 50 such that hole 50B is over protrusion 8A also serves to pullthe material of barrier to be closely conforming to end 12 of tipportion 10. In accordance with the present invention, opticalmeasurements are made through barrier 50, and it is desirable thatbarrier 50 preferably provide a thin, wrinkle-free covering over end 12.As previously explained, in accordance with certain preferredembodiments, measurements are made “below the critical height.” Thus,the material of barrier 50 is selected to have a thickness below(preferably much below) the lowest critical height of the varioussource/receiver combinations provided at end 12. It is further notedthat the improved barrier described herein may desirably be utilizedwith the multi-spectrometer measurement technique described elsewhereherein, but such an improved barrier may also be utilized with thepeaking measurement technique described in greater detail in theReferenced Patent Documents.

FIG. 7A also illustrates an improved switch/barrier control combinationthat is used in preferred embodiments of the present invention. Aspreviously described elsewhere herein and in the Referenced PatentDocuments, a user may initiate a calibration or measurement process byactivation of a switch. An improved switch 51 is illustrated in FIG. 7A.Switch 51 preferably consists of an elongated bar, which may be aintegral part of the switch, or may be a cap implement positioned over aswitch type switch (with the spring providing an opposing force to theuser's movement to activate the switch). The elongated bar of switch 51may have ends on the distal and proximate ends (i.e., nearest to andfarthest from end 12 of tip portion 10), which, for example, may fitinto an indentation formed into neck portion 8. What is important isthat the switch that the user activates to initiate a measurement havean elongated form factor, so that the switch extends a length down neckportion 8, so as to accommodate a variety of hand sizes. Thus, a userwith a smaller hand size may just as easily activate switch 51 (bypressing on a lower portion of switch 51) as a user with a larger handsize (by pressing on a higher portion of switch 51). Also importantly,barrier 50, when in position on the instrument and secured thereon (suchas by hole 50B over protrusion 8A), extends so as to completely coverswitch 51. Thus, barrier 50 not only serves to prevent contamination,but also serves to provide a moisture or other contaminant barrier toswitch 51.

Referring now to FIG. 7B, another perspective of a preferred embodimentof barrier 50 and instrument 1 is provided. As illustrated, barrier 50extends up and over tip portion 10 and neck portion 8 of instrument 1.As illustrated, hole 50B serves to secure barrier 50 by being positionedover protrusion 8A. Also as illustrated, elongated switch 51 ispositioned under barrier 50, and will be activated through barrier 50 bydepression of a user's (preferably) index finger.

Referring now to FIGS. 7C and 7D, other perspectives of a preferredembodiment of barrier 50 is illustrated. While other constructions arewithin the scope of the present invention, barrier 50 preferablyconsists of a unitary material, which contains a suitable combination ofproperties such as strength, tear-resistance, transparency, pliability,stretchiness, etc. In a preferred embodiment, barrier 50 comprisespolyurethane, but also may consist of a type of rubber, latex, or othermaterial. Barrier 50 preferably is packaged with substrate 51 asillustrated in FIG. 7D.

Substrate 51 may consist of paper or other suitable material that mayprotect barrier 50 prior to use, and may serve to facilitate applicationof barrier 50 to the instrument. Much like paper backing for a bandaidor similar instrument, the user may spread the opening of the pouch ofbarrier 50 by pulling the paper (desirably, the paper mildly adheres tobarrier 50 during such application). As the pouch opens, the userinserts the probe tip into the pouch, and, with a combination of pullingthe material of the barrier up and moving the probe tip down, thematerials of the barrier stretches up and over the probe tip and neck,preferably so that hole 50B and protrusion 8A serve to secure thebarrier onto the instrument. As a part of this operation, substrate 51tears away from the material of barrier 50, and substrate 51 may then bedisposed of What is important is that the material of barrier 50 beprovided to the user in a manner to secure its shape and to facilitateapplication to the instrument. As barrier 50 is desirably disposable, sodesirably is substrate 51, which is disposed off after serving itspurposes as described herein.

In preferred embodiments, an inner surface of the barrier 50 isrelatively smooth or “satinized” in order to facilitate guiding the tipportion of the instrument into the barrier as described above, an outersurface of barrier 50 has a degree of tackiness or stickiness,particularly as compared to the inner surface, such that upon contactwith the object under evaluation the tip portion mildly adheres to thesurface of the object. With such an outer surface, measurement ofobjects such as teeth are facilitated, as the tip of the instrument maybe directed to a desired spot of the object for evaluation, with thestickiness, or “non-slippery-ness,” of the outer surface of barrier 50serving to prevent movement of the tip from the desired spot on theobject.

Preferably, barrier 50 is manufactured by cutting or otherwise formingthe material to be of the desired shape, which may include punching orotherwise forming hole 50B. This preferably is performed on substrate51, and thus the material of barrier 50 and substrate 51 desirably maybe formed of the desired overall shape in a single step. Preferably, thesize and shape of hole 50B corresponds to protrusion 8A in order toreliably secure barrier 50 onto the probe. The material of barrier 50,and preferably substrate 51, is then folded, preferably in an automatedmanner. It should be noted that the fold is asymmetric in order to forman extended tab portion 50A of barrier 50, which may be utilized to pullbarrier 50 into proper position, such as previously described. Inpreferred embodiments, weld 50C is formed via an RF (or other radiantenergy process) or thermal type process, and preferably throughsubstrate 51. It should be noted that the weld of the material ofbarrier 50 does not extend the full length of the material, but extendsso as to define an inner pouch of barrier 50, while providing asubstantially complete seal in order to provide a suitablecontamination/infection control implement. It also should be noted thatend portion 50D of barrier 50 consists of a portion not having a seamacross end 12 of tip portion 10. In this regard, the width of thematerial used to form barrier 50 has a suitable width such that, whenwelded to form the pouch, and when stretched into position, a relativelyflat, wrinkle-free and seam-free covering is provided over end portion12 of tip portion 10.

Other aspects of preferred embodiments of the present invention win nowbe described.

FIG. 8 provides an overview of an exemplary cabled implementation of apreferred embodiment of the present invention.Spectrometer/spectrophotometer or handpiece 1 (such as previouslydescribed) preferably rests in cradle 55 when not in operation. Cradle55 preferably is secured to base unit 60 via arm 55A On/off switch 58preferably is utilized to turn on or off base unit 60, although inpreferred embodiments, as a safety feature, base unit 60 automaticallyturns itself off as a function of time (with a conventional timercircuit or processor that keeps track of on or inactive time, etc.), oras a function of temperature, with a temperature sensor included in baseunit 60. As in the illustrated embodiment a light source or lamp inprovided in base unit 60, such implements serve to prevent the lamp fromstaying on for an indefinite period of time, and reduce the risks ofthermal damage, fire or the like. Display 59 preferably is provided todisplay color measurement data, predicted shades or the like, as will bedescribed in greater detail hereinafter.

In operation, a user preferably first applies barrier 50 (which may beconsidered an “infection control tip”), which is achieved by picking uphandpiece 1 from its cradle and applying barrier 50, such as previouslydescribed. An exemplary screen shot of display 59, which reminds theuser to apply barrier 50, and calibrate the instrument with the barrierin position, is illustrated in FIG. 9. What is important is that theuser be provided a reminder, and preferably interlock, so that theinstrument cannot be operated without calibration, and preferablywithout calibration with the barrier properly secured to the instrument.In preferred embodiments the instrument is calibrated by beingpositioned in cradle 55 with barrier 50 in position, and then beingrotated about the axis of arm 55A so as to come into contact withcalibration block 56. Guide 57 is optionally provided to more reliablyguide the tip of handpiece 1 so as to land in a center portion ofcalibration block 56 (calibrating near an edge of calibration block 56is undesirable, and guide 57 is provided to reduce this possibility).

Preferably, and in contrast to typically opaque calibration standards ofconventional systems, calibration block 56 is a translucent orsemi-transparent material, and preferably is chosen to have opticalproperties (such as color, translucency or the like) that issubstantially in a middle portion of the range of optical properties forthe particular materials that are to measured. For example, for a dentalapplication, the optical properties of calibration block 56 preferablyare an off-white shade and translucent, roughly in the middle of colorand translucency values of normal human teeth. Having such a calibrationblock, rather than calibrating at an extreme of an optical range (suchas pure white or pure black, etc.), has been determined to give moreadvantageous results. This has been determined to be particularly truefor translucent materials such as dental objects. Without being bound bytheory, it is believed that calibrating with a translucent material, forexample, can help calibrate out effects of “edge loss,” which isunderstood to be a problem with conventional measurement techniques fortranslucent materials, etc.

Also in accordance with the present invention, calibration block 56 (itshould be noted that calibration and normalization in this context maybe generally considered synonymous) used for calibration may beremovable and cleanable, such as by autoclave cleaning. Preferably,calibration block 56 is sufficiently durable, an exemplary materialbeing porcelain, so as to be wiped clean or autoclaved repeatedly,without substantial degradation of optical properties. In certainembodiments and operative environments, where degradation of the opticalproperties of the calibration block may be of concern, a two stepcalibration/normalization process is applied. At a first point in time,a reference standard of known optical properties is measured. This “goldstandard”, which may be provided with the known optical properties(which may be loaded into the instrument and stored), is measured withthe instrument (the “gold standard” is then secured and stored in amanner to minimize any degradation of optical properties). Calibrationblock 56 is then measured. Based on the gold standard optical propertiesdata (known/entered and measured), and based on the measurement of thecalibration block a first set of calibration/normalization data iscreated. During normal operation, preferably prior to each use of theinstrument, the calibration block is measured again, and based on acomparison with the first set of calibration/normalization data, asecond set of calibration/normalization data is created. This second setof calibration/normalization data is preferably used to adjust the dataresulting from normal operational measurements. Periodically, such asafter a period of months, the gold standard may be measured again, andan updated first set of calibration/normalization data is created, etc.With such a process, changing optical properties of the calibrationblock, which would not be expected to change rapidly, and also becalibrated out.

It also should be noted that, in accordance with the present invention,a single calibration measurement may be used even though different typesof materials may need to be measured. As previously described, forexample, a dental professional may desire to measure a natural tooth anda restorative material tooth on the same patient. In accordance with thepresent invention, a calibration measurement is performed, which isindependent of the type of material being measured. Thus, even thoughdifferent shade prediction algorithms or the like may be utilized tocarry out the shade prediction process (as previously described), asingle calibration measurement may be conducted prior to measuring bothtypes of materials. This is important in that, after measuring eitherthe tooth or restorative material in the patient's mouth, acontamination risk is presented if the calibration block needs to betouched again prior to measuring the second material. In accordance withthe present invention, only one calibration measurement needs to be madefor measuring both types of materials.

Returning again to the calibration process as part of the normaloperation of the instrument, in preferred embodiments a switchpreferably internal to base unit 60 is activated as handpiece 1 incradle 55 is rotated in position for the tip to be positioned in themiddle of calibration block 56. In such embodiments, the instrumentautomatically knows that it is to enter calibration mode, and thus takea calibration measurement and generate calibration data accordingly. Inalternative embodiments, calibration mode is entered upon first turningon the system or before taking a measurement, and the user must startthe calibration measurement by depressing the switch (such as switch 51of FIG. 7A) on handpiece 1. This may be a dual switch mode, where afirst switch activated by the rotation of cradle 55 about the axis ofarm 55A indicates to the system that it is calibration mode, while thesecond switch (e.g., switch 51) is activated by the user when he/she hasobserved that the tip of the probe is positioned in a center portion ofcalibration block 56. In either case, in preferred embodiments, theinstrument will not operate without calibration measurement having firstbeen performed.

It also should be noted that such a calibration measurement serves tonormalize the instrument and calibrate out effects due to lamp drift,aging of fiber optics, optical couplers, filters and other opticalcomponents and the like, as well as to normalize the electronics andproduce a “black level,” such as described in the Referenced PatentDocuments.

It also should be noted from FIG. 9A that display 59 preferably iscovered by a touchscreen so that “soft switches” may be provided, whichare activated by the user touching the touchscreen over an icon ordisplayed button. In FIG. 9A, the presets button may be activated inorder for the user to put the instrument into a mode whereby systemsettings (such as brightness, volume, data display options, etc.) may bechanged.

Referring to FIGS. 9B to 9G, additional exemplary screen displays willbe described.

FIG. 9B illustrates a screen display by which the user may inform thesystem of the type of material being measured. As previously described,in certain embodiments the operation of the system (e.g., the manner ofmaking shade predictions, etc.), may be optimized depending on the typeof material. This is accomplished by touching the touchscreen at theappropriate portion.

As illustrated in FIG. 9C, the results of a data measurement may beconveniently displayed on display 59 as illustrated. In preferredembodiments, the output, particularly for the dental application,consists primarily of a display of one or multiple shade guide values(examples of the well-known Vita Classical and 3D Master shade guidesare illustrated in FIG. 9C). In such embodiments, whether one, two (orother number) of closest match color or shade values is output is a userselectable feature, such as via the preset button discussed inconnection with FIG. 9A). In preferred embodiments, the type of materialbeing measured also is displayed, such as is illustrated. What isimportant from FIG. 9 is that, although a very sophisticated set ofmeasurements were made as part of the process, the output may be asimple shade or color value (or values), in a Ruin that is readilyunderstand or useable by the particular user. For example, the displaycould display Pantone colors or shades, paint formulations, pass/failresults, etc.

Also in preferred embodiments, while a standard display may show anoutput of reduced form (such as the simple color or shade value of FIG.9C), additional color or spectral information also may be provided. Forexample, a spectral plot icon is displayed (such as illustrated at thelower left corner of the screen shot of FIG. 9C), and upon touching ofthe icon a reflectance spectrum of the object that was measured isdisplayed (see, e.g., FIG. 9F for such a spectral reflectance plot,which plots relative energy as a function of wavelength). In anotherexample, a user may touch the Vita Classical shade guide value of FIG.9C, and the display then presents additional information, such as thedeviation from the “true” color of the displayed closest match. Inanother example, the Vita 3D Master shade guide value of FIG. 9C may betouched, and the user then sees additional information regarding themeasurement result relative to value, chroma and hue in the Vita 3DMaster system (see, e.g., FIG. 9E). In still another example, an “L a b”icon may be displayed (such as via the icon shown at the lower rightcorner of FIG. 9C), and upon touching an L a b plot may be displayed(see, e.g., FIG. 9G). What is important, and what may be appreciatedfrom the foregoing, is that the results of the colormeasurement/spectral analysis process be presented in a form desired bythe particular user, with a point and touch operation enablingparticular users to “get behind the data” and be presented with morecolor/spectral data, and more color/spectral data of the form that ismost desired by the particular user, etc.

In certain alternative embodiments, whether the output is a single ormultiple shade guide values or colors (such as the multiple shade guidesystem values illustrated in FIG. 9C), the closest match may be a valuein one system or the other. In certain embodiments, a confidence barrieris displayed before the displayed shade guide or color values, asillustrated in FIG. 9C. In the particular illustrated example, theclosest match of the 3D Master system was determined by the instrumentto be a closer match than the closest match in the Vita Classicalsystem, which is evidenced by the larger confidence bar below thedisplayed Vita 3D Master value. While the confidence bar display isexemplary, what is important is that, in such embodiments, a visualindicator be provided so that the operator may determine some degree ofcloseness of the match. With a low confidence indicator, for example,the user may then decide to get additional color data (such aspreviously described) to supplement the closest match value that isdisplayed, etc.

As described in the Referenced Patent Documents, data fromspectrometer/spectrometer may be combined with an image from a camera.This can particularly be true in the context of dentistry, where often ashade assessment is a precursor to getting a restorative tooth produced.While the shade information is of particular importance to producing anaesthetically pleasing restoration, supplementing the shade informationvia a camera image also be useful to the dental professional ortechnician or other person involved in the process. With the presentinvention, a single or multiple areas of a tooth may be measured. Viathe touch screen, the user, for example, may indicate to the instrumentthat one or multiple areas are to be measured. Thereafter, the user maythen measure the one or multiple areas of the tooth. With a camera (suchas a standard digital camera), an image of the tooth or teeth may becaptured. Data captured with the image may be imported into a computingsystem that also receives the image from the digital camera. Themeasured shade data may then be superimposed onto the image from thedigital camera, such as is illustrated in FIG. 10. Also as illustratedin FIG. 10, two images may be combined. One image may contain multipleshade values (or single shade values), which shows at which spot on isthe tooth (or teeth) the measurements (or measurement) were/was made. Asecond image may contain no superimposed shade data. With such amulti-image, superimposed display, the person preparing the restorativetooth, for example, may see an image with real shade/color datasuperimposed on the area of the tooth from which the data was collected,yet may also see an image with no superimposed shade or color data.

In other embodiments, the shade or color data may be selectivelysuperimposed or not superimposed (which may be performed with only asingle image of the camera displayed, and which may be activated bymouse/click operation, pull down menus or the like). In yet otherembodiments, a single or multi-image is displayed, with shade datasuperimposed, and with additional color or spectral data displayed (suchas is illustrated in the displays of FIGS. 9E-9G) upon further command.In one example, the user may click the area of the tooth and asuperimposed shade value is displayed; in a subsequent click of theshade value, additional color or spectral data is displayed. In suchembodiments, for example, subsequent clicks scroll through the variousshade/color/spectral data options so that the user may display the typeand level of information that he/she may desire in the particularsituation.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specificpreferred and other embodiments, it is evident that many substitutions,alternatives and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the artin light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, the invention isintended to embrace all of the alternatives and variations that fallwithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, itshould be understood that, in accordance with the various alternativeembodiments described herein, various systems, and uses and methodsbased on such systems, may be obtained. The various refinements andalternative and additional features also described may be combined toprovide additional advantageous combinations and the like in accordancewith the present invention. Also as will be understood by those skilledin the art based on the foregoing description, various aspects of thepreferred embodiments may be used in various subcombinations to achieveat least certain of the benefits and attributes described herein, andsuch subcombinations also are within the scope of the present invention.All such refinements, enhancements and further uses of the presentinvention are within the scope of the present invention.

1. A system for determining optical properties of a dental object, comprising; a calibration block of known optical characteristics; a probe tip including a barrier applied thereto to capture the optical characteristics of the dental object and the calibration block; a spectrometer assembly receiving light from the probe tip with the barrier applied thereto, wherein the spectrometer assembly generates data of a first average optical depth based on light received by a first light receiver and generates data of a second average optical depth based on light received by a second light receiver, wherein the second average optical depth is different from the first average optical depth; and a computer to calibrate the optical characteristics of the dental object measured by the probe having the applied barrier, in the form of a closest match or matches to one or more of stored shade guide values.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a transmission medium for transmitting the calibrated optical characteristics data to a remote location; and a second computer at the remote location for receiving the calibrated optical characteristics data to be used for producing a second dental object based on the calibrated optical characteristics data.
 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a database for storing the calibrated optical characteristics data in a data record associated with a particular patient.
 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a cradle for accepting the probe, wherein the first computer is configured to start calibrating the captured optical characteristics of the dental object when the probe is positioned inside the cradle.
 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a guide portion to guide the tip of the probe to land in a center portion of the calibration block to start calibrating.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the calibration block is made of is a translucent or semi-transparent material.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the optical characteristics include color information comprising value, chroma and hue information.
 8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a body integral with the probe tip and encompassing the spectrometer assembly and adapted for positioning in a hand of an operator, wherein the hand of the operator substantially encompasses a bulk portion of the spectrometer assembly.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the body includes a portion proximate to the probe tip, wherein a measurement of the dental object is initiated by activation of a switch in the portion proximate to the probe tip.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the body and the switch are adapted for activation by an index finger of the operator.
 11. The system of claim 8, wherein the body includes a switch on a underside portion of the body, wherein said capturing of the optical characteristics of the dental object is initiated by activation of the switch via a finger of the operator not including an index finger of the operator. 